VETHOPES
A social project for people and animals
With the project "VETHOPES", the Small Animal Clinic of the The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Vetsuisse Faculty) at the University of Bern supports people who cannot afford treatment for their animals. The animals are treated by students.
The project "VETHOPES" of the Small Animal Clinic of the The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Vetsuisse Faculty) at the University of Bern supports people with limited financial means. Under the direction of Franck Forterre of the Small Animal Clinic, homeless people, among others, have their pets undergo operations. Students are given the opportunity to play an active role. For example, they can perform simpler treatment cases on their own such as sterilization, under the supervision of experienced veterinarians. By taking over the pre- and post- consultations, they also practice their communication skills.
The social commitment of VETHOPES thus drives the students’ practical training and enables them to receive a better education. The feedback has been positive -- both from the pet owners, who often have limited means, and from the students, who can really make a difference.
The "VETHOPES" project has already won awards and is attracting a lot of interest.